Collections, Codes, and Torah: The Re-characterization of Israel's Written Law

by Michael Lefebvre

Scholars of biblical law are already widely agreed that ancient Israel did not draft law-texts for legislative purposes. Little attention has yet been given to explaining how and when later Judaism did come to regard Torah as legislative. As a result, the current consensus (that Ezra introduced legislative uses of Torah) is based on assumptions which have been never tested. This study steps into that crucial gap, critiques and challenges the current consensus, and presents an alternative hypothesis. .

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 27, 2006

About the author

Michael LeFebvre is pastor of Christ Church Reformed Presbyterian Church in the western suburbs of Indianapolis. He previously studied Old Testament Law at PhD Level at Aberdeen University. He is married to Heather and they have four children.

Reviews

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This important study examines the differences between oral and written laws - and divine and human laws. The author suggests that, like Hammurapi's code, the Torah was initially venerated as a deposit of God's wisdom and love, only later under Greek influence, becoming the legal code it came to be seen as. He interacts with those (like Michael Fishbane) who disagree with this conception of a Torah evolution, as well as those who see such a transition as occuring earlier.

[JonM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was surprised to discover that this book is extremely boring and not very insightful. I have a difficult time imagining myself ever recommending this book, too. I can’t even think of one contribution of research from this book that I would love to share with others. It was shockingly uninteresting.